McPhail’s Mill Questers hosts annual gathering

In April 1944, a new national group which focused on learning, searching and preserving history was formed. The Questers found its way into the Redwood area Aug. 7, 1985 when the McPhail’s Mill Questers were formed.Like Sam McPhail, founder of Redwood Falls, the Questers who organized here began their quest to learn, search and preserve the history of their community.

In April 1944, a new group which focused on learning, searching and preserving history was formed.

Known as the Questers, the organization was founded by Jessie Elizabeth Bardens with the intent of creating a group of enthusiasts who appreciate antiques and the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks.

There are currently more than 13,000 members throughout the United States and Canada, which has its headquarters in Philadelphia, Pa.

The Questers organization found its way into the Redwood area Aug. 7, 1985 when the McPhail’s Mill Questers were formed.

According to Roxann Rossow, one of the charter members of the Redwood area group, the name for the local club was selected because of the commitment of its namesake, Col. Sam McPhail in looking for a new beginning and ultimately settling in the Redwood area.

At the site of an old government mill near what is known today as Ramsey Falls, McPhail erected a saw mill.

Like McPhail, the Questers who organized in Redwood Falls began their quest to learn, search and preserve the history of their community.

McPhail’s Mill Questers is not unique in Minnesota, as there are five other clubs, and all of those clubs gathered in Redwood Falls this past weekend for what is known as state day.

According to Kathy Hogy, McPhail’s Mill Questers president, the event is a great time for the clubs to come together for socializing and to learn from and support each other in their ventures.

The group learned a lot about one member of the local club, as they spent time visiting the home of Roxann Ross-ow who has a variety of collections in her home from a patriotic them to holidays, such as Hall-oween and Christmas.

Rossow said she spends time at garage sales, estate sales, auctions and the like gathering the items she has on display in her home.

She said she started collecting when she in her teens.

Hogy said there were approximately 50 people in the community Saturday for the state day, and she said the group seemed to be having a lot of fun.

After visiting the Rossow home, attendees had a luncheon based on the theme of Seasonal Concepts Vintage Style at the library, with each of the tables decorated for the season.

The McPhail’s Mill Questers meets monthly from April through December. Those who might be interested in joining the club can contact one of the current members. Hogy said the group has a lot fo fun, and she invited anyone who is interested to check them out.